Industrial Pipefitting and Piping Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Pipe Materials and Specifications

Distinguishes ferrous, non-ferrous, and plastic pipe materials by properties and application. Material selection determines pressure rating, corrosion resistance, and code compliance.

Lesson 2 • Job-Site Safety Fundamentals

Applies hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, and lockout/tagout procedures to pipefitting tasks. Safety compliance is a prerequisite for all hands-on work.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tools and Power Tools

Identifies and demonstrates correct use of pipefitting hand tools and portable power tools. Proper tool selection directly affects cut quality and joint accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Drawing Types and Conventions

Explains orthographic, isometric, and spool drawings and their roles in piping projects. Understanding drawing types enables accurate material takeoffs and field layout.

Lesson 2 • Piping Symbols and Line Types

Decodes standard piping symbols for valves, fittings, instruments, and specialty items. Symbol literacy is essential for reading P&IDs and isometrics accurately.

Lesson 3 • Dimensions, Tolerances, and Takeoffs

Extracts pipe lengths, elevations, and fitting allowances from drawings to produce accurate material lists. Correct takeoffs reduce waste and prevent costly rework.

Lesson 4 • Field Sketching and As-Built Markups

Produces freehand field sketches and records as-built deviations on drawings. Accurate markups support commissioning, maintenance, and future modifications.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Alignment and Grade Setting

Establishes correct pipe slope, alignment, and elevation using layout tools and reference strings. Proper grade ensures drainage, flow velocity, and system performance.

Lesson 2 • Simple and Compound Offsets

Calculates travel length and setback for 45-degree and 90-degree offsets using constants. Offset mastery allows pipe runs to navigate obstacles without custom fittings.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Math and Geometry

Applies arithmetic, fractions, and basic trigonometry to solve pipe layout problems. Mathematical competency eliminates guesswork and reduces material waste.

Lesson 4 • Measurement Tools and Techniques

Uses tape measures, levels, plumb bobs, and laser levels to establish reference points. Accurate measurement is the foundation of every successful pipe installation.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Cutting Methods

Demonstrates cutting with saws, pipe cutters, plasma, and oxy-fuel torches for various materials. Selecting the correct method preserves material integrity and dimensional accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Beveling for Welded Joints

Produces weld-prep bevels using grinders, beveling machines, and torch techniques. Correct bevel angle and land dimension are required for full-penetration welds.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Threading Operations

Cuts NPT threads on steel pipe using hand and power threading machines to specification. Proper thread form and engagement length prevent leaks in threaded systems.

Lesson 1 • Solvent Cement and Fusion Joining

Bonds PVC, CPVC, and HDPE pipe using solvent cement and butt-fusion techniques. Proper surface preparation and cure time are essential for full joint strength.

Lesson 2 • Compression and Push-Fit Joints

Assembles compression fittings and push-fit connectors for copper and plastic pipe systems. These joints are used where heat or open flame is restricted.

Lesson 3 • Grooved and Mechanical Couplings

Cuts grooves and assembles mechanical couplings for rigid and flexible piping applications. Grooved systems allow rapid assembly and disassembly in maintenance-intensive facilities.

Lesson 4 • Flanged Joint Assembly

Installs gaskets, bolts, and flanges to achieve leak-free, properly torqued connections. Flange assembly sequence and bolt torque pattern are critical to joint integrity.

Lesson 1 • Thermal Expansion and Flexibility

Accounts for thermal growth in pipe runs by installing expansion loops, offsets, and expansion joints. Uncontrolled thermal movement causes pipe stress failures and joint leaks.

Lesson 2 • Structural Attachment Methods

Attaches hangers to steel beams, concrete, and masonry using correct fasteners and inserts. Structural attachment integrity is the foundation of the entire support system.

Lesson 3 • Support Types and Selection

Identifies rigid supports, spring hangers, guides, and anchors and their load functions. Correct support type prevents pipe stress, sagging, and vibration-induced fatigue.

Lesson 4 • Final Alignment and Pipe Stress Checks

Verifies pipe alignment, support loading, and freedom of movement before system startup. Final checks prevent equipment nozzle overloading and premature system failures.

Lesson 1 • Gate, Globe, and Check Valves

Explains construction, flow characteristics, and installation orientation of isolation and check valves. Correct valve orientation and packing adjustment prevent leakage and flow restriction.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Fittings and Their Functions

Identifies elbows, tees, reducers, couplings, and caps by type, end connection, and pressure class. Fitting selection determines flow characteristics and system pressure integrity.

Lesson 3 • Pressure Relief and Control Valves

Installs and sets pressure relief valves, regulators, and control valves per engineering data sheets. These devices protect equipment and maintain process conditions within design limits.

Lesson 4 • Ball, Butterfly, and Plug Valves

Covers quarter-turn valve designs, seat materials, and actuator mounting for throttling and isolation. Quarter-turn valves dominate modern industrial piping due to speed and low maintenance.

Lesson 1 • Non-Destructive Examination Overview

Introduces visual, radiographic, ultrasonic, and dye-penetrant examination methods used on piping welds. Pipefitters must understand NDE requirements to prepare joints for examination.

Lesson 2 • System Flushing and Cleaning

Removes construction debris, scale, and contaminants through water flushing, air blowing, and chemical cleaning. Clean systems prevent equipment damage and process contamination at startup.

Lesson 3 • Pneumatic and Leak Testing

Conducts pneumatic tests and soap-bubble or tracer-gas leak checks where hydrostatic testing is impractical. Pneumatic testing carries higher risk and requires strict safety controls.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Commissioning and Handover

Completes punch-list items, installs permanent instruments, and transfers the system to operations. Thorough handover documentation prevents startup delays and liability disputes.